It is with great sadness that the family of William (Bill) Alexander Mountford announces his passing. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 20^th, 2023, at the age of 85.  Bill was born May 31, 1937, in Prince Albert to Edith and Leonard Mountford. Bill grew up on a farm outside of Prince Albert and had a love for farm life.  He attended school in Prince Albert.  After graduating from grade 12 he was accepted into the University of Saskatchewan where he completed his Diploma in Agriculture.  On graduation night he met the love of his life, Shirley Primeau. They dated for two years before marrying on July 28, 1962.  He loved how beautiful Shirley was inside and out, and you could always see the sparkle in his eye when they were out and about. He was proud to show off his beautiful wife.  In 1964 they had their first child, Todd. He was such a great baby they couldn’t wait for another and so in 1965 they had their second child, Derek.  Those two boys gave their parents all they could handle. They were best friends, which meant double the trouble, but Bill could not be prouder of his boys.  Bill and Shirley thought these two were such great kids why stop there, maybe we could try for a girl. In 1968, they were blessed with their little girl, Heather.  She was their angel, and she did not cause the worry that boys did. Last, but far from least, Glenn was born in 1972, the baby of the family, and everyone’s favorite.  The boys were extremely successful in hockey which made for many weekends on the road traveling to hockey tournaments.  Their little angel also kept them busy with batons and dance.

Bill was a lifetime member of the Prince Albert Exhibition and served as a 4H club leader in Prince Albert and Asquith. He judged dairy cattle throughout the province and drove the Dairy Princess float for many years.

Bill was an extremely hard worker. He started his career at the Prince Albert Penitentiary, where he was the first guard hired without a military background.  He was then hired by the Saskatchewan Government to work his dream job as a Dairy Technician.  Once retired, he focused on completing their cabin at Candle Lake to make it their full-time home. He built their cabin from the ground up with his own two hands. Winters were long at the lake, so it was time to spend them in Florida where they made great lifelong friends in Florida. But nothing can compare to their neighbors at the lake, Cheryl & Steve, Ron & Pat, Brian & Cathy, and Mark & Bev. When Bill’s health started to decline his neighbors were there for him. Whether it would be to carry in shopping, clean the boat to prepare for sale, remove snow from the driveway, or fix the wiring in the walls, they were all there to help. He loved his neighbors.

Bill was a very generous man; he would do anything for anyone. He would honestly give anything he had to anyone. He was incredibly kind and loving. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his life, he loved every one of them so much.  There was not a child that left his house without candy in their hand or an Oh Henry bar. He loved the outdoors; his yards were groomed to perfection; his flowerpots were overflowing with beauty.

Tragedy struck the family in 1983 when Todd was killed in a car accident. Bill was broken, but you didn’t know it as he felt he had to be strong for his family, his strength and courage were admirable.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley, his daughter Heather (Kirk Marchant) sons Derek (Bernie) & Glenn (Sandra).   His grandchildren Chelsey (Jamie Leidl), Deejai (Daniel Jeanneau), Cally (Kristopher Sumners) Brody Becker, MacKenzie Marchant (Christopher Hilbert), Jessica Mountford, and Vanessa Mountford and his great-grandchildren, Jaxton Leidl, Bentlee Leidl, Sadie Sumners and Boh William Sumners.

He will be predeceased by his son William Todd Mountford.

A Funeral Service will be held for Bill on Wednesday, January 25^th, 2023, at 1:00 PM at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, with lunch to follow at the Prince Albert Legion located at 133 8^th Street East. Following lunch, Bill’s interment will take place at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK. Condolences can be sent to the family on our website at www.mackenziechapel.ca.  Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick – Mel Curle. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2023-01-20
• Location : Candle Lake, SK